Computer and Information Sciences at Estrella Mountain Community College

A first-year salary around $35,800 for a Computer Science associate's—based on national benchmarks for similar programs—lands well below what Arizona tech graduates typically earn. The state median for this credential sits at $48,236, nearly $13,000 higher, suggesting this program's trajectory may lag behind what's available at other in-state options. That gap matters in a field where even entry-level positions can command stronger starting pay, and it raises questions about whether the curriculum connects adequately with Arizona's tech employers.

The estimated $12,500 debt load keeps the financial risk manageable, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 that most students could realistically handle. That's actually lower than the national median debt for this degree ($14,932), which provides some cushion. Still, the modest earnings mean graduates would be dedicating a meaningful chunk of that first paycheck to loan payments while earning significantly less than peers from programs like University of Phoenix-Arizona.

For parents, this comes down to opportunity cost. Your child could complete an associate's at Estrella Mountain with reasonable debt but potentially limited earning power, or explore why other Arizona programs produce graduates earning 35% more in year one. If this school offers geographic convenience or lower tuition that offsets the earnings gap, it might work—but you'll want concrete answers about job placement and whether graduates actually land the higher-paying roles that justify a tech degree.